In this 1923 classic, we follow Hercule Poirot and his friend Captain Hastings to Merlinville-sur-mer, France. The reason for their journey is an urgent request for help from a French multimillionaire who fears for his life.

Upon their arrival, however, they discover that it is already too late: Paul Renauld has been found dead on the golf course, stabbed with a letter opener. Poirot and Hastings join the local investigators in their efforts to solve the murder. Besides the victim's family and household staff, other suspects quickly emerge, while Poirot also pursues parallel lines of investigation that take him to Paris and London. The story gains additional complexity with a second murder victim, a possibly wrongfully accused suspect, and a rival of Poirot's who seeks to prove himself the superior detective.

The grandmistress of the British whodunit delivers yet again: «Murder on the Links» offers surprising twists, complex plotlines, red herrings, and intelligent suspense, all seasoned with Christie's wonderfully dry humor. Here, it is fueled particularly by the self-important Poirot having to measure up against an equally self-important challenger. Hastings can only shake his head at their antics, yet he remains loyal to his friend Poirot.

Many modern readers, however, will shake their heads at Hastings' outdated views on women! But since the novel was published in 1923, when such opinions were surely realistic and not uncommon, I believe that this can't really be held against Dame Agatha Christie.